‘Mazda, Suzuki and Yamaha conducted improper tests’

TOKYO: Mazda Motor Corp, Suzuki Motor Corp and Yamaha Motor Co conducted improper fuel economy and emissions tests on their vehicles, said the transport ministry yesterday.

The report is the latest episode in a growing list of data falsifications that has tarnished the image of Japan’s manufacturing industry, known for high-quality, efficient production.

The findings were the results of internal investigations ordered at carmakers by the ministry after improper testing at Subaru Corp and Nissan Motor Co.

Representatives for Mazda and Suzuki confirmed they submitted reports regarding improper testing to the ministry but declined further comment. Yamaha Motor confirmed it carried out inappropriate testing.

“Regarding the emissions inspections... it is a fact that there were improper actions,” said a Yamaha spokesman. “We sincerely apologise.”

Mazda shares were down as much as 1.8 per cent, their lowest in nearly four weeks, and Suzuki shares were down as much as 5.2 per cent, its worst session since November 2016, versus a 0.5 per cent fall in the benchmark Nikkei. Yamaha shares were down four per cent.

Last month, Nissan admitted it had improperly measured exhaust emissions and fuel economy for 19 vehicle models sold in Japan.

Kobe Steel, Mitsubishi Materials Corp and Toray Industries — all key suppliers of motor parts to global manufacturers — admitted to product data fabrication last year. Many of the carmakers, already hit by lacklustre sales, have also been under pressure from United States President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported vehicles.